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Wire Bead Cage Tutorial

This tutorial demonstrates how to make a wire bead cage by wrapping your bead of choice in wire. These make great pendants, earrings, necklaces, charms, and more.

Step 1: Choose Your Materials

Step 2: Watch the 
Video Tutorial

Wire Bead Cage Tutorial
The Designer’s suggested colors and materials:
  • 20 gauge art wire
  • 26 gauge art wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Round nose pliers
  • Flat or needle nose pliers
  • A bead of choice (example used: drum shaped sardonyx bead)
  • Step 3: Need More Help? Follow these Steps

    steps

    Quick Project Steps

    Prepare Materials: Cut four pieces of 20 gauge wire and one piece of 26 gauge wire to six inches.
    Initial Wrap: Use the 26 gauge wire to wrap and secure the four pieces of 20 gauge wire together.
    Shape Wires: Bend the wires at both ends to create a spider-like shape, ensuring even spacing.
    Place the Bead: Set your chosen bead atop the wrapped section and adjust the wires around it.
    Secure the Top: Wrap one of the wires around the rest at the top to secure them, cutting off the excess.
    Add Decorative Twists: Use pliers to twist the wires for a decorative effect.
    Create a Bail: Use three remaining wires to form a bail at the top for hanging.

    Step 5: Need Any Extra Materials?

    • Athenacast Jeweler's Wire 20 Gauge Round - Non-Tarnish Silver 18 Feet
    • Athenacast Jeweler's Wire 22 Gauge Round - Non-Tarnish Silver 24 Feet
    • Athenacast Jeweler's Wire 24 Gauge Round - Non-Tarnish Silver 30 Feet
    • BeadTec 10-Step Mandrel for Making Rings | 2-Piece Set | 1.5-10mm
    • Athenacast Jeweler's Wire 20 Gauge Round - Non-Tarnish Premium Gold Plated 18 Feet

    Step 5: Need Any Extra Materials?

    BeadTec Beading Ruler | Advanced | 6x3"
    Wire Bead Cage Tutorial
    PotomacBeads Pliers - Round Nose Pliers

    Step 6: Choose Your Next Project

    • In this latest tutorial from PotomacBeads, Allie shows how to make the Coiled Wire Earrings using Artistic Wire and beads. Technique Learned: Wire Working The Designer's suggested colors and materials: - Gemstone 8mm Round - Magnesite Turquoise Matte, ~4 Pieces - Extra Beads Optional (Czech Rondelles 4x7mm - Turquoise), ~2 Pieces - Potomax Jeweler's Wire 20G - Silver Plated, ~1 Foot - Potomax Jeweler's Wire 24G - Silver Plated, ~4 Feet Looking for a new and fun jewelry making project?

      Read More

    Step 6: Choose Your Next Project

    • Glasgow Rose Embroidered Pendant - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Glasgow Rose Embroidered Pendant - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads

    Watch Anna Tonnesen as she provides detailed step by step tutorial instructions to learn to embroider with beads. Create the Glasgow Rose pendant or create your own masterpiece of DIY jewelry following this project tutorial. Learn how to lay out your embroidery project, cut and shape your surface, sew on beads, apply the backing and seem the sides of the piece.
    • Comet Earrings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Flower Gem Earrings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Embroidered Rings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads

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    loved it! Thank You Allie. Bead on!!!!! Love Everything You Do For The Beading Community

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    I have an account with Potomac on my other email & I could not get the free clasp with the long oval so I used my other email address where I don't have an account with Potomac.  I also I tried to change the free clasp to the gold clasp & couldn't do it.  I had a hard time trying to get the deal for today.  I would like the gold clasp that was offered with the purchase of long ovals that I want to make & also a pair of earrings.  I am a fairly new customer & have only purchased from Potomac 1 other time.  I have a bead store that I've done business with but it's easier to purchase on-line with free shipping over $75..

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    Item Description

    This tutorial demonstrates how to make a wire bead cage by wrapping your bead of choice in wire. These make great pendants, earrings, necklaces, charms, and more.

    Designer's Material List

    The Designer’s suggested colors and materials:
  • 20 gauge art wire
  • 26 gauge art wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Round nose pliers
  • Flat or needle nose pliers
  • A bead of choice (example used: drum shaped sardonyx bead)
  • Project Steps

    Prepare Materials: Cut four pieces of 20 gauge wire and one piece of 26 gauge wire to six inches.
    Initial Wrap: Use the 26 gauge wire to wrap and secure the four pieces of 20 gauge wire together.
    Shape Wires: Bend the wires at both ends to create a spider-like shape, ensuring even spacing.
    Place the Bead: Set your chosen bead atop the wrapped section and adjust the wires around it.
    Secure the Top: Wrap one of the wires around the rest at the top to secure them, cutting off the excess.
    Add Decorative Twists: Use pliers to twist the wires for a decorative effect.
    Create a Bail: Use three remaining wires to form a bail at the top for hanging.